The Master Programme: One Academic Year (60ECTS)

The Master Programme in “Sustainable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Technologies for Mediterranean Fruit and Vegetable Crops” has been designed to train graduate agronomists, biologists and biotechnologists in modern and sustainable integrated management of economically important pests affecting Mediterranean fruit and vegetable crops.

The programme is based on an intensive learning course and on the preparation of an IPM project.

The main objective of the course is to prepare experts able to apply and transfer the IPM approach by combining all appropriate and innovative techniques in a total management system and by minimizing economic, health and environmental risks. Students build capacity and develop skills in:

Sound management of biotic and abiotic disorders in pre- and post-harvest.

Information technology, remote sensing, modelling and forecasting to support Decision Support Systems.

Project design for developing innovative business ideas.

Communication, training models and approaches.

A one-week IPPC-FAO/CIHEAM Bari Diploming Course is also organized as integral part of the programme. Such course is an opportunity for students to upgrade knowledge on the main principles and regulations on a proactive IPM approach and receive background information on trade facilitation, International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) and guidance material on phytosanitary issues.

The Master of Science Programme: Two Academic Years (120ECTS)

The second year is dedicated to scientific research related to a pest/pathogen problem of economic importance for the Mediterranean region.

Students who have successfully completed the first year and met all the prerequisites set by the Institute, carry out scientific research and draft a final thesis on an original topic related to a pest or pathogen of great interest for the Mediterranean region. The aim is promoting the transfer of knowledge to and between the Mediterranean countries. The MSc thesis work can be carried out at MAI Bari or at another Mediterranean scientific research institution. The scientific outcome of the research work is usually announced on the occasion of national and international conferences and/or published in scientific journals.

Topics of MSc theses on pests/pathogens of fruit and vegetable crops are to be chosen among the following research lines: